I just finished reading Earlene Fowler's book The Saddlemakers's Wife. It was a great book. It didn't mention quilting at all, but I have a few of her other books here to read.

If anyone knows of more authors who write "quilting" stories, please add them! I love books and read a lot. Jennifer Chiaverini's books are lovely little stories although I can't read too many back-to-back. Sandra Dallas also writes "Alice's Tulips" besides the "Persian Pickle Club", both great quilting stories. I've just begun with Ealene Fowler whose genre is quite different.
If you're looking for a useful book of quilting tips, try to find Marguerite Ickis - "The Standard Book of Quilt Making and Collecting". It was published in 1949 so might take a bit of treasure hunting, but it's worth the search. Something more recent is "The Quilting Bible" by Creative Publishing for machine quilters. Lovely photos and easy-to-understand instructions.